Seed carrier with pivoting conveyor

ABSTRACT

A seed carrier includes a main hopper coupled with a frame via leg members. The main hopper has a discharge. A base plate is coupled with the frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled with the base plate at a first end. A belt driven conveyor having a conveyor hopper at a first end and a discharge at a second end is rotatably coupled with a second end of said support arm at an approximate center of gravity thereof. A latch mechanism is provided for detachably coupling the first end of the conveyor with the first end of the support arm such that the conveyor hopper is position below the main hopper discharge. When the conveyor is uncoupled from the first end of the support arm, the conveyor can rotate to a loading position wherein the discharge thereof can be positioned over the main hopper.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/901,321 filed on Feb. 15, 2007, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a conveyor system for a grainor seed carrier. The conveyor system includes a novel pivot system thatallows it to either load or unload a container by pivoting it into aloading or unloading position.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conveyor systems for moving grain, seed, etc. are well known. Augersystems are used to rapidly move grain such as feed or the like, whilebelt driven conveyors are often used for moving more expensive payload,such as seed.

One belt driven conveyor system includes a generally flat beltconstructed from a flexible, sturdy material such as rubber or nylon.The conveyor is housed in a tube with rollers on both ends so that thebelt may rotate in order to transmit material from one end to the other.Such conveyors are used for unloading seed carriers or the like.However, current conveyors have several problems.

First, current conveyors have the problem that the material being movedcan be damaged by the rollers. Second, current conveyors do not have afull range of motion as implemented in seed carries. Third, currentconveyors are only implemented for unloading.

There is a need for new and improved conveyor systems that allow a wagonto be unloaded and loaded using a single mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a seed tender orcarrier is provided that includes a main hopper for holding seed and aconveyor for transferring seed to and from the main hopper.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in an unloadingposition, one end of the conveyor may be positioned under the dischargeof the main hopper and coupled with a pivoting support arm. In theunload position, the conveyor can be used to transfer seed from the mainhopper to another location, such as to a planter, seeding unit, or thelike. A pivot mechanism allows the conveyor to be rotated from under thebox into a loading position in which the conveyor intake can rest on theground or on a stand while the conveyor discharge is positioned to allowconveyed material to be discharged into the main hopper. In this loadingposition, the conveyor can be used to fill the main hopper.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a conveyor hopperis provided on the intake side of the conveyor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pivot mechanismallows the conveyor to swing from side to side to simplify unloading ofthe main hopper and the filling of planters, etc. The pivot mechanismcan include a hydraulic cylinder that adjusts the vertical height of theconveyor discharge relative for different filling applications.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pivot singlepivot point can be provided at one end of the support arm to allow theconveyor to be rotated between the loading and unloading position. Theconveyor may be balanced on the pivot point at a location near or at thecenter of gravity, thereby permitting the conveyor to be rotated withminimal effort on the part of the operator.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor can berotated through at least 180 degrees about a vertical axis and so thatit may be positioned in either a forward or rearward transport position.This feature enables the tender to be pulled by different vehicles suchas by a pick-up truck with the conveyor forward or by a grain truck withthe conveyor rearward.

Further applications and advantages of various aspects and embodimentsof the present invention are discussed below with reference to thedrawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a seed carrier according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of a seed carrier in an unloading position according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of a seed carrier in a loading position according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of a base system for the seed carrier according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of a lever mechanism for the base system according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view of a seed carrier in a transport position according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of a belt conveyor for the seed carrier according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view of the discharge end of a conveyor according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a forward view of a conveyor belt wrapping around a rolleraccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view of the conveyor hopper in an unloading positionaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates the receiving end of the conveyor according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, anumber of illustrative embodiments are described herein with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered asproviding examples of the principles of the invention and such examplesare not intended to limit the invention to preferred embodimentsdescribed herein and/or illustrated herein.

In embodiments of the present invention, the novel conveyor pivot systemcan be implemented with seed carrier or seeding machines. The followingsection describes non-limiting examples of illustrative seedingequipment according to embodiments of the present invention. It shouldbe appreciated that the following examples are provided for illustrationand the present invention is not intended to be limited to theembodiments described herein.

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a seed carrier having a tube conveyoraccording to an embodiment of the present invention. The seed carrier100 includes a main hopper 105 coupled to a frame 107 by legs 106. Aconveyor 104 is supported by a support arm 102 coupled with a pivotingmechanism 101 fixed to the frame 107. The conveyor 104 is pivotablycoupled with the support arm by a coupling 103 at a point that ispreferably near or at the center of gravity of the conveyor 104. Theconveyor 104 is also coupled to the support arm 102 by a latch (notshown) at the bottom of the conveyor. The latch allows the conveyor 104to be uncoupled from the support arm 102 at the bottom so that theconveyor is free to rotate about the coupling 103. By positioning thecoupling 103 at or near the center of gravity of the conveyor 104, theconveyor 104 balances on the pivoting coupling 103 such that littleeffort is required to rotate the conveyor 104.

The conveyor 104 includes a conveyor hopper 108 at its base, which isshown in the unloading position below the gravity discharge 110 of themain hopper 105. At the other end of the conveyor 104 is the discharge112. Seed can be gravity feed from the main hopper 105 into the conveyorhopper 108, which can then be moved to the discharge 112 of the conveyor104 by an internal elevator (not shown). In one embodiment, the elevatoris a motor-driven belt type elevator coupled onto rollers at both endsof the conveyor.

The seed carrier 100 may be transported by conventional means such as ona trailer. FIG. 2 illustrates the seed carrier 100 on a three axletrailer 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Asshown, the conveyor 104 is in the unloading position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the seed carrier 100 in the loading position. Asshown, the conveyor 104 is uncoupled from the support arm 102 at itsbase and rotated 180 degrees about pivot coupling 103 so that theconveyor hopper 108 is positioned at a convenient location away from thecarrier while the discharge 112 of the conveyor 104 is located over themain hopper 105. A stand 307 is provided for holding the conveyor hopper108 in place. The stand 307 may be integrated with the conveyor 104.

Accordingly, in the loading position, grain, seed or like can be feedinto the conveyor hopper 108 to be moved to the discharge 112 forfilling the main hopper 105.

FIG. 4 is a view of the pivoting base of the support arm 102. As shown,the support arm 102 can be pivotably coupled to a base 401 at a centerpoint so that the support arm 102 is rotatable about a vertical axis.Wheels 403 provide support and can run along a track 402 to facilitatethe support arm's 102 motion about the perimeter of the base 401. Thesupport arm 102 can be locked into a selected position of the base 401by engaging a pin (not shown) with one of a plurality of the holes 407distributed around the base 401. The pin is disengaged with a hole byactuating a lever mechanism 404, which lifts the pin out of a hole. Thelever mechanism 404 may be spring actuated to bias the pin toward theholes, so that simply releasing the lever will allow the pin to engagewith one of the holes 407. Also shown, a hydraulic piston 405 is coupledwith the support arm 102 for adjusting the height of the support arm102.

FIG. 5 is an alternative view of the support arm base. As shown, levermechanism 404 includes a handle 504 coupled with a cross-bars 505 and506. Cross-bar 506 is coupled to cross-bar 505 on one end and to a plate508 having a pin 509 on the other end, and with a pivoting coupling 502at a point near the plate. Rotating the handle 504 applies a downwardforce to crossbar 506 causing it to rotate about the coupling 502 toraise the plate 508 to disengage the pin 509. While disengaged, the base401 is free to rotate about its vertical axis. Springs may be providedfor biasing the pin 509 toward the holes 407 for engaging therewith, orthe pin 509 can be engaged by gravity.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a seed carrier 100 according to an embodimentof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the conveyor 104 includesan elongated discharge spout 602 and is positioned in a transportposition. Support members 604 may be mounted on or integral with thelegs 106 for holding the conveyor 104 in a forward transport position asshown, or a rearward transport position. As shown, the carrier 100 isfixed to a dual axle trailer 606.

FIG. 7 illustrates a basic belt driven conveyor according to anembodiment of the present invention. The conveyor 104 comprises a belt702 that winds about a pair of rollers 704. The rollers are positionedoutside a tube section 706, a first roller being positioned in thedischarge 112 and a second roller being positioned below the conveyorhopper 108. A motor (not shown) or other means for turning the rollersmay be provided at either end of the conveyor. A void 707 exists belowthe rollers 704 to allow the belt 702 to travel on its return path.

FIG. 8 is a view of a conveyor belt according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The discharge end of a conveyor is shown where aconveyor belt wraps around a motor driven roller 802. The motor may be ahydraulic motor and therefore, hydraulic hoses 804 provide hydraulicfluid flow to and from the motor. Teeth 806 are provided to push grainor seed up the conveyor. As shown, the conveyor belt is cupped in thetube section but flattens out as it reaches the roller 802. Channelingmembers (seals) 808 are provided on each side of the belt to form a sealand prevent grain or seed from falling off the edges of the belt as thebelt begins to conform to the tubular portion of the conveyor 104.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the belt as it travels over the roller 802.Channeling members (seals) 902 are provided on each side of the belt toform a seal and prevent grain or seed from falling off the edges of thebelt as the belt flattens at the roller. As shown, the channelingmembers 902 are fixed to the conveyor discharge 112 with bolts, but canbe fixed by other means or can be integral with the discharge.

Discs 904 are provided at the rollers at the edge of the belt to provideadditional channeling/sealing means. The discs 904 are preferablyintegral with the rollers or coupled therewith so that they may rotate.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the hopper end of the conveyor 104. As shown,conveyor hopper 108 sits above in ingress 1003 to the conveyor 104. Whencoupled to the support arm 102, as shown, the conveyor hopper 108 ispositioned below a discharge of the main hopper 106. The discharge 110may be opened by conventional means. As showed, a wheel handle mechanism1004 is provided for opening the discharge doors 1006.

The conveyor hopper 108 is preferably manufactured from light weightmaterials such as plastic, canvas, rubber or vinyl. As shown, the hopper108 may include a mechanism for opening and closing the hopper. In thisembodiment, flexible coupling or hinge is provided at one end 1008 ofthe hopper 108 and a mechanism 1010 is provided at the end of the hopper108 and is coupled with the conveyor 104, such that the hopper 108 maybe made to have an appropriate fit with the discharge 110 of the mainhopper 105. A flap 1012 can be provided at the bottom of the discharge110.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the hopper end of the conveyor. As isshown, a brush seal 1101 can be located across the belt 702. The brushseal 1101 retains the conveyed material within the hopper and does notallow the material to enter the void 707 (shown in FIG. 7) under theroller. Such an arrangement is desirable because it prevents theconveyed material from being subjected to mechanical agitation, whichwould result in damage to the conveyed material. The brush seal 1101allows the conveyor teeth 806 to pass, but not the conveyed material.

One will understand that hydraulic power can be provided by a towingvehicle, such as a tractor or the like or alternatively, hydraulic powercan be provided on the tender and driving electrically from the towingvehicle, such as a truck.

Thus, a number of preferred embodiments have been fully described abovewith reference to the drawing figures. Although the invention has beendescribed based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparentto those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, andalternative constructions could be made to the described embodimentswithin the spirit and scope of the invention

1. A seed or grain tender comprising: a main hopper coupled with a framevia leg members, said main hopper having a discharge; a base platecoupled with said frame; a support arm rotatable coupled with said baseplate at a first end; a conveyor having a conveyor hopper at a first endand a discharge at a second end, said conveyor being rotatably coupledwith a second end of said support arm at an approximate center ofgravity of said conveyor; a latch mechanism for detachably coupling saidfirst end of said conveyor with said first end of said support arm suchthat said conveyor hopper is position below said main hopper discharge;and a locking mechanism for locking or unlocking said support arm tosaid base plate.
 2. The seed tender as recited in claim 1, wherein saidconveyor further includes an elevator for moving seed or grain from saidconveyor hopper to said discharge, and a motor position in saiddischarge for driving said elevator.
 3. The seed tender as recited inclaim 1, wherein said conveyor is a belt driven tube conveyor.
 4. Theseed tender as recited in claim 1, further comprising a hydraulic pistoncoupled with said base plate and with said support arm, for raising andlowering said support arm.
 5. The seed tender as recited in claim 1,wherein said conveyor hopper is adjustable in size.
 6. The seed tenderas recited in claim 1, wherein said conveyor is rotatably coupled withsaid support arm such that said conveyor can rotate about asubstantially vertical axis.
 7. The seed tender as recited in claim 1,wherein said conveyor is rotatably coupled with said support arm suchthat said conveyor is rotatable about a vertical axis into a loadingposition in which said discharge is positioned over said main hopper. 8.The seed tender as recited in claim 1, wherein said conveyor isrotatably coupled with said support arm such that said conveyor isrotatable about a vertical axis into an unloading position in which saidconveyor hopper is positioned under the discharge of said main hopper.9. The seed tender as recited in claim 1, wherein the discharge of saidmain hopper is a gravity discharge.
 10. The seed tender as recited inclaim 1, wherein said main hopper includes side walls inwardlyconverging to said discharge.